Multiple representations to support learning of complex ecological processes in simulation environments

Abstract

This paper combines Multi-Agent based simulation with causal modeling and reasoning to help students learn about ecological processes. Eighth grade students who took part in the study showed highly significant pre to post test gains on learning domain content and causal reasoning ability. Moreover, students’ success in reasoning with a causal model of the ecosystem was strongly correlated with higher learning gains. This work provides the foundations for designing scaffolded multi-agent, simulation-based intelligent learning environments with modeling and reasoning tools to help students learn science topics.